What common experience leads us into spiritual fellowship and covenant relations with God and with one another?
- Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. And on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. We do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
What vows do we gladly make as stewards of what God has entrusted us?
- We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinance, discipline, and doctrines; To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
For the sake of our homes and love ones, what task do we humbly assume?
- We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances;
For the sake of the unsaved for whom Christ died, to what manner of life and conversation are we solemnly pledged?
- To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; To avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; To abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
Since one is our Master, even Christ and all are brethren, by what fraternal ministries are we to strengthen each other and adorn the teaching of our Lord and Savior?
- We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; To remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; To be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
For the good of our spiritual development, for the best interest of the Master’s Kingdom, what do we promise to do if we move from beyond the reach of this church?
- We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.